Chitragupta Puja is performed on Chithirai Pournami – full moon or Purnima day in Tamil Month Chithira – in Tamil Nadu. In 2026, Chitragupta Puja in Tamil Nadu temples is on May 1.
In Hinduism, Chitragupta, the first assistant of Lord Yama, the god of Death. It is Chitragupta who keeps record of the good and bad deeds of human beings on earth. After death, when one reaches the abode of yama, it is he who tallies the good and bad deeds and declares it to Yama. Therefore, the day is dedicated to Chitragupta and devotees pray to him to forgive their sins.
Devotees offer prayers at temples and sacred places dedicated to Chitragupta. People also take dip in rivers, ponds and other sacred water bodies to wash away their sins.
The most popular Chitragupta Puja which is observed in North India is held after Diwali.
The most popular Chitragupta Puja which is observed in North India is held after Diwali.